TO: All Fire Chiefs, Uniformed Personnel, Chaplains, and Members DATE: November 20, 2025
FROM: Chief Robert E. Bradley Jr.- President, RIAFC & Secretary/Treasurer -New England Div- IAFC
RE: Logistics for Uniformed Personnel Honoring Rev. Michael Leckie, Fire Chief's Chaplain

The Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs & New England Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (formerly New England Association of Fire Chiefs) regrettably announces the passing of Rev. Michael Leckie, former chaplain of our associations, former chaplain of the Hope Valley-Wyoming Fire District, a past member of the North Scituate Fire Department, and a retired Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Providence, RI. Father Mike served the fire service for many years as a chaplain and a founding member of the RI Critical Incident Stress Management Team. He was also a founder of the Federation of Fire Chaplains.

Logistics for participating uniformed personnel in the services to honor Fr. Mike are as follows:

Wake: Friday November 28, 2025 S.R. Avery Funeral Home- 3 Bank Street Hope Valley, RI
Uniformed walkthrough will take place at 1500. The Wake will run from 16:00-19:00.

All uniformed personnel are requested to stage at the former Hope Valley Elementary School located at 15 Thelma Drive by 1445 hours for a 1500 hour uniformed walkthrough.

Uniform of the day will be full Class A dress uniform, covered badge with mourning band, and white gloves. On-duty units can wear the appropriate on-duty uniform of the day.

Uniformed personnel who wish to serve as casket watch guards during the wake on Friday are asked to visit www.rifirechiefs.com and fill out the form on the front page to be scheduled before Wed. 11/26.

Funeral: Saturday November 29, 2025 Saint Joseph Church- 1105 Main Street Hope Valley, RI

Uniformed personnel are requested to assemble at Dow Field located at 1118 Main Street by 0830. Personnel will proceed then to the funeral home for a very brief march to the church for the liturgy at 0930. Those wishing to proceed to the cemetery following the mass will be parked accordingly and allowed to join the procession aside from those who will not travel to Gate of Heaven cemetery.

Burial: Saturday November 29, 2025 Gate of Heaven Cemetery 550 Wampanoag Trail Riverside, RI

Committal will take place following a procession and funeral liturgy. Brief fire department honors will be held in the cemetery lead in conjunction with the Federation of Fire Chaplains.

Uniform of the day will be full Class A dress uniform, covered badge with mourning band. On-duty units can wear the appropriate on-duty uniform of the day. No apparatus outside of those assigned prior are requested.

RI LAST personnel will be assisting with funeral arrangements. Please look to them for guidance both days.

Any questions or concerns should be directed to:
RIAFC- Chief Rick Susi (Ret.), Executive Director 401-692-0795 rifirechiefs@gmail.com
RI LAST- AC Christopher Koretski, Co-CAST 401-258-4969 ckoretski@watchhillfire.com